Free testing available
Organizations are ramping up efforts to test and offer vaccinations for Island County residents at risk for hepatitis A, B and C this month.
A press release issued by the state Health Department said that an estimated 115,000 people are infected with hepatitis C in Washington. But only 18,649 cases were reported to public health.
Many people do not know they have this disease, Wendy Dillon, Hepatitis C coordinator for the state.
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease contracted from transfusions prior to 1992, needle exchanges or sexual behavior.
“I see quite a few positive results come across my desk,” said Karen Grossman, HIV, STD and Hepatitis Program coordinator for the Island County Health Department. “More than I thought when I first took on this position.”
She said most cases appear in people who engaged in risky behavior 30 to 40 years ago, and now have problems in their 60s.
Hepatitis is largely asymptomatic, and those who do experience symptoms often mistake it for the flu. It can cause severe liver damage.
Free testing for hepatitis C and vaccination for hepatitis A and B is part of a pilot program by the state Health Department. Only high-risk residents qualify.
Grossman said high-risk factors include men and women who have four or more sexual partners in a year without using protection, those who sell sex in exchange for drugs or money and people who exchange needles.
Hepatitis A is contracted orally, usually by preparing food or from drinking water. Hepatitis B is both blood-borne and orally contracted. The vaccine for each is a series of three shots over a six-month period.
“If someone is diagnosed with hepatitis C, we’ll help set them up with a health care provider to find out where in the range of illness they are,” Grossman said.
Treatment can cost between $20,000 to $30,000, but some pharmaceuticals will offer free hepatitis C treatment if a person is eligible.
Residents can schedule an appointment by contacting Grossman directly at 678-7932.
All information is confidential.
